Geological Survey of South Australia

🎉 NEW REPORT BOOK RELEASED! 📖 Pyrite chemistry and its value as an exploration tool on the Stuart Shelf 🙂 I. Mukherjee, A. Fabris, C. Krapf 🔗 https://ow.ly/tLw850UVoCW In situ analysis of pyrite in sedimentary rocks can provide an effective exploration method for sedimentary copper mineralisation. This new report presents results of regional analysis in the Stuart Shelf by Indrani Mukherjee of University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the GSSA, which builds on previous pyrite sampling in the region by CODES - publicly released for the first time in this report. Indrani found that early pyrite (framboids and recrystalised framboids – Py1) were at least as enriched as later generations, demonstrating syngenetic to diagenetic enrichment at known mineralised sites. Also supporting this was metal enrichment in pyrite occurring in the middle, as well as base and top of the host unit. The Tapley Hill Formation was shown to be very enriched in copper compared to common marine shales, underlining the sedimentary copper potential of the Stuart Shelf. In the report, several geochemical indices are used to distinguish distal from ore signatures. These indicate that in addition to the known mineralised regions of Myall Creek, Mount Gunson and Emmie Bluff, pyrite chemistry indicates prospectivity in a region between Pernatty Lagoon and the southern end of Lake Torrens. 💻 This project complements the GSSA-CSIRO project 'Sedimentary Copper Mineral Systems of the Stuart Shelf’. Read more: https://ow.ly/vh3Y50UVoCU 💬 For a summary of the outputs and insights from this project, view the 2024 Discovery Day presentation by Adrian Fabris here: https://ow.ly/NIR450UVoCV #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #SedCu #Copper #StuartShelf #GeoChemistry #MineralSystems #UniversityOfNSW #UNSW #CSIRO

The GSSA has released a new MESA research article: Extending the Warakurna Supersuite into Southern Australia ⛰️ Extensive mafic magmatism during the late Proterozoic resulted in the c. 1075 Ma Warakurna Large Igneous Province (LIP), which forms part of the 1085–1040 Ma Giles Event. 🗺️ While widespread across central and western Australia, in South Australia the Warakurna LIP was thought to be confined to the Musgrave Province. 📊 New research reveals that the mafic rocks in the Coompana Province are part of the Warakurna LIP, extending this event to the southern coast of Australia. The distribution and relations of the rocks near the coast suggest that the southward extension of magmatism was structurally controlled. ⚒️ This discovery expands our understanding of the magmatic event and associated mineral systems, offering new targets for exploration. Read the full MESA article here: https://ow.ly/Mj0h50USUNV #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #Mafic #Proterozoic #Magmatism #Exploration

🌋 The Yorke Peninsula’s Volcano Trail is a window into South Australia's explosive past. 2 billion years ago, a massive underwater eruption shaped our land with lava flows and explosive eruptions! 🗺️ Discover more about our geological history through this trail and fascinating geosites in the Yorke Peninsula. #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #YorkePeninsula #PortVictoria

Dr Alicia Caruso from the GSSA will be presenting at Adelaide's next Science in the Pub event. With an exciting line-up of speakers, join the fun as they talk through new and emerging technologies in the geoscience field. The event is free, but you can register using the link below. 📅 6:00pm, Friday 31 January 2025 📍 Adelaide Irish Club (13-15 Carrington Street, Adelaide) 🔍 To register: https://ow.ly/SYuQ50UOipw For more information about Science at the Pub Adelaide, check out their website. 💻 https://ow.ly/Q3ez50UOiot #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA

The Critical Minerals South Australia (#CMSA) project continues to unlock potential in mine waste ⚒️ Recent mine waste sampling at Hillgrove Resources Kanmantoo mine has revealed opportunities for critical minerals in both current and historical tailings. In collaboration with #MIWATCH, #GSSA has released a report book that summarises the secondary prospectivity of Kanmantoo’s mine waste. 🧪 Key Mineral Chemistry insights - Critical Metals identified: #Zirconium (#Zr), #Bismuth (#Bi), #Titanium (#Ti), and #Manganese (#Mn) in garnets. #Copper (#Cu), #Nickel (#Ni), and #Cobalt (#Co) in iron sulfides. 📊 Sampling insights 74 tailings samples collected and analysed. The mineralogy is dominated by quartz, garnet, biotite, magnetite, and chlorite, with trace amounts of staurolite, andalusite, muscovite-illite, and pyrite. ⚡ Positive Element correlations #Ni and #Co, #Fe and #Cu, #Mn and #Fe with #RareEarthElements (#REE), and #Mg with #Rb. This work demonstrates the untapped potential in mine waste and supports the growing push for sustainable sourcing of critical minerals. 🔍 View the full report here: https://ow.ly/stKF50UKOgn #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #CriticalMinerals #MineWaste #Sustainability #MiningInnovation #SustainableMining #ResourceRecovery #Exploration #Kanmantoo

📑 NEW MESA JOURNAL! A Review of South Australia’s Critical Mineral Project Global demand for critical minerals is surging due to their essential role in advanced technologies and renewable energy, with South Australia emerging as a key player in this vital sector. Our latest MESA Journal review article, “South Australia’s Critical Minerals Potential,” highlights the state’s strengths to meet the challenges of supplying these strategic commodities to the world and explores future exploration opportunities. 🔍 Read and download the article here: https://ow.ly/oTSu50UE21x #GSSA #SouthAustralia #MESAJournal #CriticalMinerals #GeologicalSurveySA #Geology

In case you missed it, we recently installed our world leading HyLogger-4 at our Drill Core Library! South Australia is only one of three jurisdictions GLOBALLY to have access to this technology (the others being New South Wales and Western Australia). This new technology keeps South Australia at the forefront of hyperspectral geoscience and provides critical infrastructure for the GSSA to provide high-quality geoscientific data to the resource sector. 🎥 Watch our latest video of Dr Alicia Caruso talking through our new HyLogger-4: https://lnkd.in/gJ3XNQhX 🔬 HyLoggers have been successfully used by the GSSA since 2002 - and now with the new Hylogger-4 the GSSA will be operating on a new wavelength, literally! 📈 The latest generation HyLogger-4 includes a high-resolution camera up to 25 microns, and an additional wavelength range of 2,500 - 6,000 nm which fills in the current gap between the shortwave infrared and thermal infrared wavelengths collected by the HyLogger-3 system. This wavelength range is beneficial for identification of carbonates and organic compounds, improving the application for drill core and cuttings. 🇦🇺 HyLogger technology was originally developed in Australia and engineered at CSIRO North Ryde before being commercialised by Corescan Powered by Epiroc in 2017. ⛏️ It collects mineralogical data from various drill material (such as core and chips/cuttings) using a non-destructive method of reflectance. 📚 This data is made available online as part of the AuScope National Virtual Core Library via our SARIG suite: https://ow.ly/2N6z50Ut9pO The purchase of the machine will future proof the GSSA's ability to collect non-destructive hyperspectral mineralogy on its Drill Core Library collection which will assist with geological knowledge and exploration in South Australia. It will also be used as an integral technology as part of the SARIG Core Intelligence Program into the future. The HyLogger-4 will undergo an initial testing phase to test data quality and consistency including any engineering developments with Corescan before transitioning to production in mid-2025. The HyLogger-3 will continue to operate throughout and will remain in use until end of life. 💻 Read more about GSSA's spectral geoscience: https://ow.ly/iiNU50Ut9pM #HyLogger4 #Geoscience #SouthAustralia #HyperspectralImaging #GSSA #CoreLibrary #Corescan

As we wrap up another successful year at the GSSA, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every member of our team for their hard work, dedication, and passion. It’s been an exciting year for our geological and geoscience community, from the installation of world-leading machinery that will shape the future of our work, to the incredible success of our recent conferences and ongoing projects. These milestones wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and expertise of our amazing team! As the holiday season approaches, we hope everyone takes the time to relax, recharge, and enjoy well-deserved moments with loved ones. We look forward to what lies ahead in the new year and the continued growth and innovation that will come from our collective efforts. Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a happy 2025 for all! The Geological Survey of South Australia #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #HappyHolidays

⚒️ The drilling continues for the Northern Gawler National Drilling Initiative (NDI), our collaborative project with MinEx CRC. Recently completing our fourth drill hole, DIG CT and the coiled tubing rig continue to bring to light fascinating glimpses into the underlying geology of the Cretaceous Eromanga, Permian Arckaringa basins, plus the deeper Palaeoproterozoic rocks in the Coober Pedy region of northern South Australia. While the rig and crew take a well earned break, we are looking forward to gaining more valuable geological information about the formation of the Australian continent as we see and map it today, revealed through the layers of sediments and complex crystalline rock relationships deeper under basin cover. If you’re keen to find out more about the project: 💬 View Claire Wade's presentation from Discovery Day 2024: https://ow.ly/w4uE50UpCl1 💻 Visit our project website: https://ow.ly/pOj550UpCl0 #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geoscience #Geology #NDI #GawlerCraton #MinExCRC #DIGCT

🌐 The GSSA has recently updated state radiometric images and produced new enhanced grids! ✈️ The "2024 Radiometric maps of South Australia data release" was created by merging the data recorded across many airborne radiometric surveys. This was an update to previous state grids to include recent surveys such as the Coompana and the extensive Gawler Craton Airborne Survey. 🗺️ Data was levelled using a combination of the AWAGS2 (Australia Wide Airborne Geophysical Survey) and vehicle-borne streaming radiometric tie-lines. Additional levelling procedures were employed using software routines developed by Geoscience Australia. Download the grids at : https://ow.ly/9MIK50Uncw0 #GSSA #SouthAustralia #Geology #Geoscience #GeologicalSurveySA #GeoscienceAustralia #Radiometric #Survey #Map